Kindle.
Since Amazon brought out their increasingly popular e-reader and probably transformed reading (how many people do you see on the train or the bus sitting reading something on a kindle reader?), the word “kindle” has become associated with their device.
That’s got something to say for us as we think of the verbs of becoming…..if this little device kindles a little more learning, if it kindles an enthusiasm for reading…..then we are on the right track.
But the kind of kindling I’m thinking of is that early nurturing of something. We start a project, begin to write or read, embark on a new interest, and at first we have to gently nurture it into viable existence. It’s easy to start something…..for a moment, or an hour, or a day or two…..but a little harder to start something and see it through, to get it established.
I’m sure you’ve encountered the 30 day idea – the idea that if you want to change a habit, or to start a new one, then do the new behaviour (whether that be a change in your diet, or the amount you exercise, or starting to meditate, or whatever). That’s a good way to kindle something. Start today, and then do it again tomorrow, and keep kindling it for 30 days, and see what’s changed.
When I learned TM, both of my teachers were excellent, and they both repeatedly gave the instruction to “gently return to the mantra”. That constant “gently” returning is what made it easy and permanent for me. I think it was a genius instruction. Kindling has the feel of gentleness for me and whatever it is you want to nurture or change, I’d say “gently kindle it”.
Heroes Not Zombies 
Thank you for that. Over the years I have embarked on change with gritted teeth and a grim determination to make it happen; it seldom did. In the recent past, however, I’ve rather allowed change to happen, (with some gentle nudges from those around me!) welcomed it rather than resisted it, and now sensing a greater inner freedom with this strange kindling process.